‘Benjamin never came remotely close to living up to his status as a first-round draft pick, which the Carolina Panthers made him in 2014 after his standout career at Florida State. Since joining the Bills on Oct. 31, 2017, in exchange for third- and seventh-round choices, he only reinforced why things didn’t work out for him in Carolina after a strong rookie season in which he hit career highs, catching 73 passes for 1,008 yards and nine touchdowns.’
Archives for December 5, 2018
NFL puts official confronted by Bills’ Jerry Hughes on leave
‘Roy Ellison, the umpire who Hughes confronted, has been placed on administrative leave by the league while the incident is under review, an NFL spokesman said Tuesday.’
Jim Kelly chosen as legends captain for Pro Bowl
‘Kelly will be the captain of the AFC offense with DeMarcus Ware serving as the captain of the defense. Emmitt Smith will captain the NFC offense with Brian Urlacher captaining the defense.’
For Bills and Jets, it’s all about the quarterbacks as December finishing kick begins
‘The Bills (4-8) and Jets (3-9) have been on a penalty palooza the past two games, with Buffalo committing 26 infractions for 200 yards and the Jets 19 for 143.’
At last, Buffalo Bills part ways with underachieving wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin
‘Buffalo gave up third- and -seventh round picks in the Benjamin deal in hopes that the former Florida State standout and 2014 first-round pick — whose promising career stagnated after an ACL injury — would realize his potential with a fresh start.’
Bills release receivers Kelvin Benjamin and Andre Holmes
‘Benjamin dramatically underperformed in a contract year and the outcry for his release intensified over the past few weeks as the Bills offense has started to improve.’
Bills GM Brandon Beane on blueprint to critical 2019 offseason
‘”It’s no secret that we weren’t able to put a lot of resources in the offseason into the wide receiver position, either higher price guys that were signed elsewhere and the way the draft fell,” Beane said. “We drafted some guys late. But after Josh’s selection, it ended up being more of a defensive draft, which was not a plan. We just went how the board fell. So going in we knew that position we hadn’t put as many resources in (last year).”‘
Buffalo Bills salute Roberts brothers
‘Brent — aka “B.W.” — and Zachary will be honored between the third and fourth quarters as the Bills host the New York Jets Sunday afternoon. The Roberts brothers were selected through a program in which the Bills honor a veteran — or in this case, two — at every home game.
Bills release WR Kelvin Benjamin amid turbulent season
‘A former first-round pick of the Carolina Panthers in 2014 out of Florida State, Benjamin was acquired by the Bills midway through last season in exchange for third- and seventh-round picks. But he was on track for career lows in almost every statistical category and saw a diminished role in the last three weeks, never playing more than 59% of the team’s offensive snaps.’
Buffalo Bills cut underperforming receiver Kelvin Benjamin
‘That wasn’t the type of production the Bills were expecting from the 2014 first-round draft pick they acquired in a trade with Carolina on Oct. 31, 2017.’
NFL official on leave; accused of calling player vulgar name
‘Hughes confronted Ellison in the tunnel near the locker room following Buffalo’s 21-17 loss, and video of the incident shows him accusing the umpire of using a derogatory term. Hughes waved his index finger and shouted “I’ll catch you. I’ll catch you, guaranteed,” before being pulled away by team officials.’
Bills release WRs Benjamin, Holmes
‘Benjamin has played in 12 games this season and started 10 of them, but he only recorded seven receptions for 92 yards in his final four games with Buffalo.’
NFL places umpire on administrative leave
‘This has been an unusual year for the NFL as far as disciplining officials. Down judge Hugo Cruz was fired in October for not meeting the standard performance level — the first removal of an official during a season in the Super Bowl era.’
Bills cut ties with WR Kelvin Benjamin
‘Benjamin, a first-round pick of the Panthers in 2014, was in the final season of his rookie contract and was scheduled for unrestricted free agency in March. Any team claiming Benjamin off waivers would owe him the remaining portion of his $8.5 million base salary this season. If he is not claimed off waivers, the Bills would owe Benjamin the remainder of his fully guaranteed salary.’
NFL puts official Roy Ellison on administrative leave after Jerry Hughes confrontation
‘Ellison, in his 16th year as an NFL official, was previously suspended one game without pay in 2013 for allegedly making a profane and derogatory statement to Washington Redskins offensive lineman Trent Williams.’